Our Conversation With The Futuristic Retro Vet, Geechi Suede
As one-half of the dynamic Hip-Hop duo Camp Lo, Geechi Suede has been painting exquisite lyrical portraits over lush soundscapes for nearly two decades now. Coming off the success of the latest Camp Lo offering, Ragtime Hightimes [2015], as well as a recent tour alongside a reunited Digable Planets, all the while as fans anxiously await the next Camp Lo outing – coming in January ’17 – the self-proclaimed ‘Futuristic Retro Vet’ proudly unleashes his debut solo project, 0.9 NyteLife FM.
We caught up with Geechi Suede to talk music, new and old. Here’s the full interview.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this solo single / video, “Phone Check” — Tell me about this particular composition? How did it actually come to fruition?
Geechi Suede: “Phone Check” came from the realization of how different the era we are in is. Growing up, when we were inspired or influenced by someone we acknowledged that person or persons, they don’t do that today. I’ve seen hella Camp Lo influence out there for a real long time now; from really popular artists to artists not as popular, from the fashion to the cadence… so i just decided to write about it and say, “Hey, don’t make me have to call ya name out!” Mafuckers Chuckles
Parlé Mag: Sonically, how does “Phone Check” measure up to what people already know and love you for through your offerings as 1/2 of Camp Lo?
Geechi Suede: This project differs from Camp Lo on a production level, as well as content. I’m sure there might be some moments when the listener might say that sounds like some Camp Lo shit, but I really don’t think too much. This is just an introduction to let the people know this is the beginning of a never-ending flood from Geechi Suede, so I wanted it to be somewhat of what they know me to do ’cause my projects up ahead will take some twist and turns…
Parlé Mag: Obviously, 0.9 NyteLife FM by no means signifies a Camp Lo break-up, especially considering you all dropped a double sided single and video, “Piece Of The Action/World Heist,” produced by Ski Beatz, said to be taken from the next Camp Lo opus, On The Way Uptown — So what’s the timeline looking like for both records? And, why’d you opt to drop them so close in proximity?
Geechi Suede: More chuckles Yeah, my peoples know I don’t like the word “SOLO,” it gives the wrong impression to me. I’m definitely LO 4 LIFE! Yes, we just dropped a single from the up’n’coming album, On the Way Uptown, slated for a January release. I just wanted to drop something for the people for the holidays, something they can bump in the whip and vibe out to.
Parlé Mag: Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
Geechi Suede: Longevity is based on how much you really love it… the will and passion to evolve in your craft, and it’s been a blessing to be in it for 20 and love it more than ever. The people really need substance out here, so while I’m alive I’m gonna play my part. Much love to all those that been riding with the LO from day one.
Parlé Mag: What do you want people to get from your music?
Geechi Suede: What I want people to take from the music is that I TRULY LOVE WHAT I DO!
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop? And, even more specifically, where exactly do you “fit in” when it comes to today’s current/trending sound-scape?
Geechi Suede: As far as being happy with the current state of HIP HOP, check out the ‘0.9…‘ project ’cause we definitely address this topic. Laughter ensues
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Geechi Suede: Other than music, my love for fashion and film are really huge! And I’m developing in both arenas, so definitely expect to see new ventures emerging.
Parlé Mag: What has been your greatest achievement(s) so far?
Geechi Suede: My greatest accomplishment would be that I’m still here and people still love what we do. We have a fan-base that’s forever; it’s a blessing.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Geechi Suede: Artist I would love to collaborate with… Jamiroquai -living – Amy Winehouse – RIP.
Parlé Mag: One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
Geechi Suede: One track of mine that defines me? Hmm… that’s a tough one, but what I will say is that on this project the song “Gallery 77” paints one of my favorite landscapes to reflect in.
Stay Connected with Geechi Suede via Social Media:
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